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A/N
Hey readers! If you want to set the vibe for this chapter, hit play on below since this is a masquerade party drop. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/lEH7HmawgDU

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As Gabby and Soap stepped into the Red Room Cocktail Bar, they were enveloped by its ambiance, reminiscent of an exclusive fraternity party reserved for the popular crowd.

The air was infused with costly cologne, aged whiskey, and a faint trace of cigarettes and cigars. Along with the chandeliers' golden light known above for decor purpose, creating a sense of elegance. Deep red velvet curtains adorned the walls with candlelit booths where masked figures murmured softly.

A long bar stretched along the right side, where bartenders dressed in black and white suits moved with ease, pouring alcohol liquids into glasses.

Couples, socialites, and powerful figures milled about in designer attire, their laughter blending with the hypnotic melody playing Mustang Kids by Zella Day & Baby E known as the haunting rhythm threading through the air like a spell. It was the kind of music that didn't demand attention—but commanded it.

Gabby adjusted her grip on Soap's arm, tilting her head slightly as they stepped further in, making sure to sell the illusion. The couple. The power duo. Like they're the untouchable pair that belonged here.

Soap played his role well, his posture naturally arrogant, exuding a confidence that came with wealth and status. The midnight navy three-piece suit hugged his frame perfect, the vest snug beneath the tailored jacket. His crisp white dress shirt was open at the collar, just enough to hint his alpha energy. The black Venetian mask concealed the upper half of his face.

Gabby wore her black sequin gown clung to her athletic curves, the fabric catching the light and reflecting it like the night sky. The high slit revealed the smooth line of her leg as she moved, her every step calculated, oozing confidence. Her dark brown tied in ponytail, sleek and styled to perfection. The intricate black lace mask framed her face to match with her dangerous, red lipstick. With a long earring that is like a tear-like diamonds drops.

Soap leaned toward her, voice dropping to a whisper. "This place is drippin' in money and secrets."

Gabby smirked, letting her fingers trail over his forearm. "Good. Means we're exactly where we need to be."

Soap tapped his earpiece once. "Gaz, where are you?"

A pause. Then Gaz's voice came through their comms, smooth and professional. "Inside. Left wing, near the auction lounge. Rich is here, seated at a private booth. He's got a small entourage, but nothing heavy. Definitely the type who likes to be admired."

Gabby hummed. "Typical."

She lifted her chin slightly, her sharp gaze sweeping over the room without looking too obvious. This wasn't just any businessman. Rich had an appreciation for art, wealth, and status—which meant he'd naturally be drawn to people who carried themselves like they belonged in that world.

She tapped her earpiece next. "Boss, we got eyes on him."

"Solid copy. Don't let him slip. Keep it natural," John replied, his tone through and commanding.

"Try not to be too convincing as a couple, yeah?" Ghost added, follow with a hint of envy but amused.

"No promises LT," Soap said smugly, leading Gabby deeper into the lounge.

She rolled her eyes but didn't break character.

They moved through the room with a measured, intentional pace, commanding the space without needing to draw attention—an art in its own right. Gabby's dress subtly glimmered in the low light, while Soap's assured walk signaled that they weren't there to plead for attention. They anticipated it.

And it worked when Rich turned his head attention to them as they neared his table.

The French businessman matched their expectations right. Having constructed his empire on a blend of tradition, prestige, and shrewd business tactics, he presented himself as the type who is all about money and close the deal. His silk and dark grey suit was tailored, and his slicked-back dark hair highlighted his sharp features beneath a custom black mask with gold linings over the design to make him almost like the Phantom Opera.

A smirk curved on his lips as he lifted his glass of bourbon, swirling the amber liquid inside. "Now, what do we have here?"

"Forgive the intrusion, monsieur," he said, his tone confident, respectful, but without an ounce of subservience. He took the lead as his tone slipped into the smooth, refined accent he had practiced in short time. "I hear this is the place to meet the right kind of people. Thought it'd be a shame if we left without introducing ourselves."

Gabby leaned in slightly, her accent shifting into Spanish elegance, her voice smooth like silk. "Mi amor (my love) has such a way with words." She let her dark lashes flutter just to him before Rich, enough to sell the role of the enchanting wife. "We've been traveling across Europe, seeing what opportunities lie ahead. Your name comes highly recommended."

Rich smiled with interest.

"Ah," he exhaled, taking a sip of his drink. "A woman of culture. And who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

"Jameson Alistair Lennox," Soap introduced, his Scottish lilt softened just enough to sound aristocratic. "And this is my wife, La Reina."

"A pleasure, monsieur," she purred as she extended her hand.

Rich took her hand, pressing a brief kiss to her knuckles, his eyes gleaming with intrigue. "Enchanté, Reina. A voice like yours must command attention."

Gabby smiled. "You flatter me."

Soap chuckled, taking a seat beside her as if they owned the table. "We've been looking for investments, things that carry legacy and value. Something... exclusive."

He let the word linger as Rich placed his glass down and focused on the man.

"Exclusive, you say," he mused. "That's a very particular word, Mr. Lennox. What exactly are you in the market for?"

Soap barely hesitated before answering. "Something that appreciates with time. Something unique. It's not just about wealth—it's about prestige. I come from a long line of men who don't settle for mediocrity." He smirked. "And I don't intend to start now."

Rich let out a soft chuckle. "Ah, so you're a man of heritage. I can respect that." His sharp eyes flicked to Gabby. "And your wife? Does she share your appreciation for fine things?"

Gabby tilted her head, letting her lips part in a slow smile.

"Naturally," she replied, her Spanish accent sweetening each word. "A woman deserves only the finest around her, don't you agree?" She traced a gentle finger along the defined, veiny contours of his hand while Soap kept his attention on Rich. "My husband is well aware of that."

Soap made a show of resting a hand over hers, a subtle display of ownership that made Rich smirk in approval.

"I admire that." Rich picked up his glass and finished his remains before setting the glass down with a quiet clink. He tapped a finger against the table, glancing around the lounge as if contemplating something. Then, he exhaled and leaned forward. "Tell me, Mr. Lennox, have you ever heard the saying—true power is not what you own, but what people believe you own?"

Soap didn't miss a beat. "Aye, and I'd say there's a lot of truth to that."

Rich's smirk grew. "Good. Because I don't discuss business in places like this." He gestured lazily to the lavish but very public surroundings. "Too many ears. Too many eyes."

Gabby and Soap exchanged a brief glance before Soap inclined his head. "Then by all means, lead the way."

Rich stood smoothly, adjusting the cuffs of his suit as he nodded toward the far side of the lounge. "Come with me. Let's talk somewhere more private."

Gabby gave a sweet smile, sliding her arm through Soap's as they rose.

From their earpieces, Ghost's voice rumbled in, low and measured.

"Eyes on you. Keep it casual."

John followed next. "Stay sharp. If he's movin' you to a second location, he's serious. Stick to the script, but don't overplay it."

Gabby tapped her earring lightly in acknowledgment. As they moved deeper into the Red Room, toward the concealed entrance of the VIP lounge, Gaz's voice came through their comms.

"I'll be keeping an eye from inside. You two just make sure he doesn't get suspicious."

Soap heard and silently smirked more as they approached a black velvet curtain, guarded by two men in tailored suits.